Why can't my wife find a job?

Nurses General Nursing

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My wife went to school in MS and became an LPN. She worked for a year and then went back to school and became an RN (also in MS). As an LPN, she worked on a med. surg. floor and at a rehabilitation clinic. As an RN, she did home health, first as a field nurse, then as a supervising nurse until we moved to IN. She's bright, intelligent, caring, and kind. I know I'm a little biased, but it's all true.

So, why can't she find a job? It's been almost 9 months since she got her Indiana license. She's interviewed at St. Francis, Community, and Clarian here in Indy and she has yet to get an offer? I know she doesn't have much experience in a hospital setting, but she's a great nurse and would pick it up quickly. I just don't understand, I thought there was suppose to be a nurse shortage.

She really wants to work at a hospital, but she's tried getting on at nursing homes and can't even get a call back from them. I'm just getting frustrated and with this latest rejection (Clarian - who's adding a whole med. surg. wing btw), her confidence is really shaken and I know she's tired of being turned down.

I just don't know what to do. In MS, she would have had 10 offers by now. Am I missing something? What's the deal? Does anyone have any advice?

Specializes in ICU,ER,med-Surg,Geri,Correctional.

I know what it is like to be qualified have the right background and hear about the nursing shortage and still have a hard time getting callbacks from some of the HR folks. It makes you feel very concerned and almost paranoid. After I took my present job the other offers came rolling in, and the HR folks actually asked why I choose to work for their competitor. I guess they can't understand that we need jobs have bills and need to get to work. Okay I know it's hard, but it's all a waiting game. DON"T get discourage .Most of all don't let your wife blame herself. I have even heard that ads in the papers are cheaper then employees. That some managers will emphasize how they are looking for more nurses and actually pacify the staff with the promise of more staff, even when they have no open postions. Good Luck take care!!

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EVERY job she apply's for SHOULD BE DONE IN PERSON! Has anyone mentioned that? Very often in person she will get an on the spot interview. An online application doesn't really grab their attention like a kind, gentle RN standing in front of them looking for work.

At least she has an AWESOME hubby who cares enough to seek out advice!

Good luck!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

it sounds like the job market is bas in indiana, especially in hospitals. has she thought about working outside of hospitals in ltc? is the market bad in ltcs too?

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Specializes in Case management, UM, AL, psych, CD.

www.monster.com

www.careerbuilder.com

goodluck! :)

Erin

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There is no nursing shortage. It's a total myth.

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Specializes in cardiac, ortho, med surg, oncology.

:yeahthat: I am in Indiana and there is a hiring freeze in my area. A lot of the nurses at my hospital are picking up more hours and OT reducing the need for hiring. And as stated by the previous poster the nursing shortage is an urban legend for the most part. Keep your chins up, something will come around.

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Specializes in Cardiac OR, OR, ICU, IT Nsg.

Hi! Don't give up, just keep bugging the Human Resources Departments in the hospitals. I live in Atlanata, GA with over 21 yrs. experience and I have had trouble getting into the hospitals here. Nov./Dec. are holiday months and not a lot of hospitals or anyone for that matter, hire over the holidays. Also, it seems the economy is also effecting the hospitals right about now. Currently, I have heard that hospitals are having a hiring freeze. It's hard for everyone these days - even Nurses. Hospitals are short staffed but also, hospitals also seem to be effected by the economy. So, this is NOT your wife's fault by any means. I have just heard from one hospital and because I was so persistant, I am interviewing this week. BE PERSISTANT!! Keep calling them every week - but try not to have them think you're desparate. You wife probably already knows this but, I think it might be best to go to a "teaching hospital" so that they can train / re-train her for the hospital setting.

Best of luck, don't give up, try not to get too frustrated and keep us updated!!

Tracy - Atlanta, GA

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Thanks for all the advice! I'm going to pass it on and continue to encourage her. I think I'll suggest Methodist, St. Vincent, and IU now. Thanks!

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